Underground River

Imagine floating through a vast, silent cathedral carved by nature over millennia. The Underground River (Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This 8.2-km navigable underground river winds through a spectacular limestone karst landscape before emptying into the South China Sea. Guided boat tours take you into the cavern's main chamber, where you'll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, while bats and swiftlets flutter overhead. It's a truly otherworldly experience that showcases the raw power of water and time.

Highlights & What to See

• Boat tour through the cave – a 45-minute paddle into the cathedral-like main chamber, with formations named things like the 'Cathedral' and 'Vegetable Garden'.
• Sabang Beach – a laid-back stretch of golden sand where you can relax before or after your cave trip.
• Mangrove paddleboat tour – explore the serene mangroves along the Sabang River, spotting monitor lizards and kingfishers.
• Jungle trekking – hike through the lowland forest on trails that lead to viewpoints overlooking the coast and the river mouth.
• Ugong Rock – a limestone outcrop with ziplining and a short cave tour; great for adventure seekers.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors allocate a full day for the Underground River experience. The typical package includes a 45-minute boat ride into the cave, plus time for lunch at Sabang and optional activities like mangrove tours or ziplining. To avoid crowds, aim for an early morning departure (around 7–8 AM). If you're based in Puerto Princesa City, the drive to Sabang takes about 1.5–2 hours, so factor in travel time. For a more relaxed pace, consider staying overnight in Sabang.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Puerto Princesa City – the gateway to the Underground River, with the Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center (crocodile farm) and Baker's Hill.
• Honda Bay – a cluster of islands perfect for island-hopping, snorkelling, and beach picnics.
• El Nido – a spectacular limestone karst landscape with lagoons and hidden beaches, about 4–5 hours north by van.
• Port Barton – a quieter alternative to El Nido, with laid-back beaches and island tours.
• Sabang Village – the coastal community at the park entrance, with simple accommodation and local eateries.

Please check official sources for current details.